Alberta RCMP are reminding drivers about the dangers of texting and driving.

“The Alberta RCMP remind drivers that any task that feels urgent when driving, aside from the task of driving itself, can and should wait,” a release stated.

“Distracted driving can have severe consequences and it is never worth the risk. A driver must already pay attention to a variety of items: traffic signals, other motorists, passengers, and road conditions. Adding a cell phone to the mix is never a good idea. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a driver is eight times more likely to get into a motor vehicle accident when texting. They are four times more likely when talking on their phone, even when using a hands free device.”

• Put your phone away. Use your cellphone only when your vehicle is parked in a safe place.

• Pull over. If you need to attend to kids or pets in the vehicle, find a safe spot to park before doing so.

• Set the temperature, mp3 players, radio, CD player or the GPS unit prior to leaving. You should make adjustments only when the vehicle is stopped.

• Make sure children are comfortable and properly buckled up before leaving. Prepare safe activities for the trip so they don’t get restless.

• Know the itinerary before leaving. Do not attempt to read a map while driving.

• Finish grooming at home. Do not comb your hair, shave or apply make-up while driving.

• Do not read while driving. Put newspapers and other reading materials out of sight and out of reach so you won’t be tempted.

• Ensure that there are no items in the vehicle that will slide around or tip over while the vehicle is in motion.

“Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. A lot of that responsibility belongs to drivers themselves, but some of it belongs to passengers as well. As a passenger, you can help the driver by ensuring you’re not being a distraction. It is by working together to prevent distracted driving, that we will make the roads safer for everyone,” said Superintendent Rick Gardner, Alberta Sheriffs.